Choosing Treats Wisely

There's been a great deal of attention focused upon dog and cat foods lately, especially in light of the pet food recalls. Similarly, we should turn a critical eye towards the hundreds of treats that dogs consume on a regular basis.

Many of the mass-produced treats on the market today contain the leftover cereals and other unsuitable ingredients, which are better for company profits than the long-term health of dogs. Artificial coloring and chemical preservatives are included in most to maintain freshness, as these well-known brands typically spend months stored in warehouses before ultimately being shipped to your local grocery. Upon inspecting their labels, you'll find many contain wheat flour, soy flour, dextrose, BHA, high fructose corn syrup and garlic. These products are known to be hard for your dog to digest and some can have potentially harmful effects. In fact, garlic can be toxic to dogs.

As pet parents, we know that our companion animals depend solely upon us for their nutritional intake. And since good nutrition is important for our pets to live a long and healthy life, it is important to choose a nutrient-rich treat that can be a part of your pet's overall diet.

Wholesome Hearts Low-Fat Dog Treats all-natural, low fat dog treats with high quality proteins and harvest-fresh fruits, vegetables and multi-grains. And they are fortified with L-Carnitine for a healthy heart and fat metabolism, making them perfect for dogs that could stand to shed a few pounds. Wholesome Hearts contain sliced apples, squash, yellow field peas, tomatoes, cloves (which have high antioxidant values), cranberries, pumpkin, ginger and nutmeg. The rice germ/bran included in this recipe has been studied at the University of Illinois for its ability to support immune system functioning and skin and coat health, and is chock full of protein and B vitamins.

Some of the treats are formulated to help promote the health of a specific part of your pet's body. Healthy teeth and gums are an important consideration for your dog's overall health. It is always a good idea to brush your dog's teeth, but sometimes that is not always possible. Gourmet Dental Treats for Dogs contain a variety of whole grains and protein, and calcium and phosphorous for strong bones and teeth. And, the parsley in these treats freshens your dog's breath right away.